September 19, 2013NewsComments Off on Phelps and Costello Continue Concealed Carry Meetings with Illinois State Police and Governor’s Office

State Reps. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg) and Jerry Costello II (D-Smithton) are continuing their meetings with the Illinois State Police (ISP) and the governor’s office to ensure the state’s new concealed carry law is being implemented in a timely manner. Both Phelps and Costello are determined to see their fight for the rights of hunters, sportsmen and law-abiding firearm owners to the finish.

“The General Assembly held up its end of the bargain and passed a good piece of bipartisan legislation before the court deadline,” Phelps said. “We were all honored to have a hand in crafting a concealed carry law that meets the court’s standards, protects sportsmen’s rights and allows law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and their families. We strongly urge the ISP and governor to listen to the people of Illinois, and continue to approve instructors in a timelier manner, so concealed carry classes can begin.”

Over the past month, 24 concealed carry instructors have been approved by the ISP. Additionally, the required 16-hour training class curriculum has been finalized and agreed upon by all parties. Phelps and Costello want to ensure that everything is on schedule so classes could potentially start being offered the first week of October.

“It is critically important that not only those interested apply as soon as possible, but we also want to make sure ISP is approving these instructors at a much higher volume than they have been, due to the high number of those waiting for the right to safely protect their families,” Costello added. “Currently, there are only 24 instructors that have been approved, but in order to handle the high demand of those wanting concealed carry permits we need more qualified individuals to apply and be approved, so if you are interested, please contact ISP for more information.”

Anyone interested in applying to become a certified instructor or to have their firearms curriculum approved must apply with the Illinois State Police. For more information regarding the applications, please visit www.isp.state.il.us/firearms/ccw. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

For more information and updates on how the new law is being implemented, please contact Rep. Phelps’ constituent service office at (618) 253-4189 or bphelps118@gmail.com and Rep. Costello’s constituent service office at 618-282-7284 or staterepcostello@gmail.com.